Български
English
It is believed that "The Great Mound" was the tomb of the residents of Villa Armira. The location of the tombs, the method of construction and the objects found during excavations confirm the indisputable link between the two sites.
It is a unique monument of cultural and historical heritage with its original stone structure and attractive burial inventory. The ancient necropolis is only 1 km away diagonally from the villa and is located at the highest location in the area - specially chosen to stand out, with excellent visibility in all directions, ensuring greater closeness to the gods. It was built as a mausoleum for one of the first owners of the Armira villa, and then for almost a century later it was used for unknown reasons as a family tomb of aristocratic Thracian family.
"The Great Mound" is one of the most impressive funerary structures in Bulgaria since the Roman era. It is with a dome shape (60 m diameter and 18-20 m original height). Stone blocks keep the sacred palce from the outside world.
However, there are found evidence of character of Thracian mounds - in the archaeological excavations were found remains of the tomb of a Thracian nobleman and a complex of 2 funeral chariots with the skeletons of four pedigree horses of 2 harnesses and a dog (the first quarter of II century) and traces of two sub-dug graves – children’s grave within the mound (III century) and another similar next to a mound of marble that was robbed. The grave contains very rich inventory and gifts of bronze, marble, glass and pottery, broken and half-destroyed by fire. Of particular interest are two wooden boxes with small personal belongings of the deceased, one of which is decorated with masks. There are three miniature fragments of a thin gold plate - a part of a beautiful golden jewel burnt, and a small glass candle with Medusa-Gorgona - the main image in the decoration of Villa Armira.
Availability for visits: All year round
Transport accessibility: Road, signs
